Even in a non-tipping culture though, there is still the option of tipping if you have a great dining experience.

I've experienced the US culture, if briefly, and I must say the majority of wait staff there that I experienced are exemplary, however I've had just as good food and service here in Australia without the expectation of tips. It may cost more up-front here, but at least I know that the wait staff are being paid a reasonable wage, and that they won't get stiffed by other patrons.

I certainly don't mind tipping in restaurants if the experience is worth it, however it seems to me that the growth of tipping expectation that is happening in the US, eg furniture movers, etc, is a very slippery slope.

For an international visitor, the US is a very confusing place re tipping. Who to tip, when, how much. I spent an inordinate amount of time stressing over whether I was tipping appropriately when I was there, and that was even after some fabulous advice from EHell. I didn't want to short anyone, and I didn't want to offend anyone who wasn't normally tipped. I suspect I tipped over and above on occasions (the cocktail waitress at the casino that offered me change!), and I probably failed to tip someone I should have. Erk.

Aussies apparently have a reputation as poor tippers... I don't want to further that impression when I'm travelling.

I read the threads not just about restaurants, but almost everyone in the service industry that you come into contact with, and it's scary!

Are there any Americans who think the tipping system there is wonderful?

A good server at a reasonably priced restaurant can easily make more than they would if they were salaried or hourly. I had one friend who had a good solid salaried job during the week, and was a bartender at a neighborhood restaurant/bar on the weekends. He made enough in tips at the bar to live on, and the salary was fun money.

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